Core Thesis - The investment case for Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (ZGN) is based on its accelerating traction in the high-end market, with a focus on improving brand momentum and retail growth [7][8]. Financial Performance - ZGN's group revenues for the year reached €1.92 billion, with Q4 sales of €591 million aligning with expectations [4]. - Organic growth for the Zegna brand accelerated to 7.4% in Q4, up from 5.6% in Q3 and 2.6% in the first half, driven by retail and direct-to-consumer sales, which grew over 10% in the quarter [4]. - Group-wide organic growth was limited to 4.6% due to a slowdown in retail growth for Tom Ford Fashion and a significant decline in wholesale sales, which were down double digits in Q4 [5]. Market Dynamics - The company is repositioning towards the high-end market, where demand remains resilient, particularly in the US and Middle East, while Europe is contributing more consistently [5]. - Greater China remains a weakness with sales down approximately 5%, although trends have improved sequentially [5]. Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued shrinkage in wholesale, especially for Thom Browne and Tom Ford, while retail execution will remain a focus [6]. - Foreign exchange headwinds are expected to limit margin expansion, even if volumes increase [6]. Brand Positioning - The company is delivering better top-line quality quarter after quarter, with profitability expected to improve as brand repositioning and retail growth gain traction [7]. - Previous analyses highlighted ZGN's vertically integrated model, iconic brands, strong margins, and attractive free cash flow yield as key drivers of long-term growth, with the stock price appreciating by approximately 28% since November 2024 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Kering announces a leadership change at Bottega Veneta, with CEO Bartolomeo Rongone set to leave the company on March 31, 2026, to pursue new opportunities [2][3]. Group 1: Leadership Change - Bartolomeo Rongone will depart from his role as CEO of Bottega Veneta as of March 31, 2026 [2]. - Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, expressed gratitude for Rongone's leadership and contributions over the past six years, highlighting significant milestones achieved during his tenure [3]. - The selection process for a new CEO for Bottega Veneta is currently underway, with an announcement expected soon [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Kering is a global luxury group that includes brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, among others [4]. - In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people and generated revenue of €17.2 billion [4].

Core Insights - Palantir Technologies has seen a significant stock price increase of over 300% in the last year, rising from under $10 to about $180, but its valuation is considered unsustainable with a price-to-sales ratio of 132, indicating potential poor returns in the next decade for its $400 billion market cap [2][9] Group 1: ASML Holding - ASML Holding is positioned to benefit from AI advancements more than Palantir, being a crucial player in the semiconductor supply chain with its lithography printing tools [4][5] - ASML's lithography equipment is essential for manufacturing advanced computer chips, with a new version costing chipmakers $400 million, highlighting its significant pricing power and backlog due to AI chip demand [5] - ASML expects to generate annual revenue between €44 billion and €60 billion ($51 billion to $70 billion) in five years, compared to Palantir's current revenue of $3.44 billion, with ASML also having a better profit margin of 35% versus Palantir's 17% [6][7] Group 2: Hermès - Hermès, a luxury goods manufacturer, is experiencing steady growth that is relatively immune to economic cycles, with products priced at $10,000 or more, showcasing significant pricing power [8] - Hermès has superb profit margins and consistent revenue growth, positioning it to outperform Palantir as an investment [9]